Riding through the mountains on horseback offers stunning views and an incredible sense of freedom, but bad gear habits ruin the experience. When it comes to horse equipment, paying attention to the common mistakes riders make will make long treks safe and fun.

Ignoring the seasonal shape shift

Many riders throw the same saddle on year-round without checking if it actually fits the horse’s current shape. Horses change muscle tone and weight with the seasons, especially after a winter of heavy hay eating. A saddle that fits perfectly in July might pinch shoulders in January.

This pinching causes behavioral issues that look like stubbornness but are actually reactions to pain. Check the gullet clearance every time you groom to catch pressure points early.

Cranking the cinch too tight

You might tighten that cinch until it squeaks, but that doesn’t mean the saddle holds better. Overtightening restricts your horse’s breathing and movement, which makes them grumpy. A horse that feels like it’s wearing a corset won’t perform well on steep climbs.

Position the cinch behind the elbow rather than right up in the sensitive armpit area. You should slide two fingers flat between the cinch and the horse. If you can’t do that, loosen it up a notch for everyone’s sake.

Neglecting leather in the dry climate

Colorado dust and low humidity are relentless, and they turn flexible leather into stiff cardboard if you ignore maintenance. Dry, cracked reins snap when you need them most, which creates a dangerous situation on the trail. You invite failure if you skip cleaning and conditioning the tack.

Clean the gear after every ride, and inspect for weakness or rot near the buckles. Your connection to the horse will stay secure.

Overlooking physical signals

You might miss small signals that our equipment causes low-level pain until the horse grows weak. Paying attention to sweat patterns under the pad reveals pressure points immediately after a ride. Dry spots in a sweat pattern indicate where the saddle presses too hard and cuts off circulation.

Continuous horse health monitoring helps you catch these gear-related sores before they bench your horse for the season. Listen to what their body tells you through heat, swelling, or tenderness. A quick check of their back tells a clearer story than any guidebook.

Ride smart and safe

Good horsemanship starts in the tack room long before your boots hit the stirrup. Avoiding these blunders keeps your rides smooth and your horse sound for years to come. Don’t let these mistakes riders make with horse equipment spoil your next adventure in the high country.